What do you think of when you hear the word, “fat”? Does greasy food or a big bag of potato chips come to mind, or perhaps, the extra layer of skin you’re trying to trim down? These are two common associations with the word. But, they’re pretty negative!

Good fatsexist, too. These are fats that provide bursts of energy in the body, resulting in anything from more powerful workouts to healthier skin and hair. Fat doesn’t always have to be something to avoid and cut down on. The right fats are vital macronutrients to incorporate into your regular diet. They support how your body uses carbohydrates and proteins, as well as vital micronutrients – which Core Medical Group can provide insight on.

An Overview of Fats: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Fats come in a few different forms:

transfats: synthetic fats which lead to weight gain. Transfats tend to be in synthetic or processed foods. A trans fat is a hydrogenated form of monounsaturated fatty acids. Although monounsaturated fats are generally healthy, these chemically-enhanced fats have been made to stay solid. They keep many processed foods on shelves longer (which some argue is a good thing), but in a similar way, stay solid in your body, making it harder for your digestive system to break down and put to use (which is bad).

saturated fats which are filled with toxins. Saturated fats come from animals and poultry. Butter, for example, is a source of saturated fat. Some studies have linked consuming high amounts of saturated fats with high cholesterol and heart disease.

High-Fat Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Whether you are trying to lose weight or gain muscle, fats are an essential part of your diet. The right high-fat foods can help you curb hunger and keep you on your diet plan, and even if you don’t get cravings often, they help maintain good energy levels and facilitate important functions in the body.

Here are some easy ways to incorporate good fats into your meal plans.

Mariaelisa is a passionate yogi with a love for running and weightlifting, too. When not focused on beating her max or entering new poses, she's at the beach, planning a vacation, or writing in a coffee shop somewhere.